In the time of Covid, people are turning to private planes for travel. Most feel it is safer. If you are considering flying private, there are many benefits to be aware of.
The advantages of private plane travel are clear—comfort, privacy, and schedule flexibility to name a few. There is also the beauty of avoiding airport terminal crowds, the need to arrive early and long security or check-in lines. Private airlines use off-airport terminals with nearby parking lots, so arriving only minutes before take-off is perfect.
With demand for private airline travel and the corresponding increase in private aviation providers, companies are seeking ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. Most have an assortment of pricing levels, whether they are membership, charter or fractional ownership organizations. Personalized customer service and access to low priced repositioning flights are just the beginning of benefits offered.
Wheels Up has memberships ranging from entry-level Connect to full Core and Business, offers members access to hard to get tickets for events such as the Masters Golf Tournament, Art Basel, Super Saturday Tailgate and exclusive parties. Core members receive even more with private meet-and-greets with Wheels Up Ambassadors that include entertainers, athletes, musicians, and business leaders to once-in-a-lifetime events. The Concierge provides access to luxurious hospitality and travel experiences. Their FoundersCard buys special amenities and upgrades at hotels, gyms, and resorts, as well as savings on personal and business products.
VistaJet, a membership-based company, recognized and responded to the increase in travelers who don’t want to leave their pets at home. VistaPet upgrades pet travel with care kits, sleep mats, toys, treats, wipes and balanced menus. Treats for humans on VistaJet include Michelin-starred dining and wines specially selected to taste as delicious in the air as they do on the ground. There’s a Wine Club and access to coveted experiences like a three-day wine tour hosted by Marchesi Antinori, dinner at his Palazzo, private vineyard tour and stay at an exclusive guest house on the family estate.
NetJets has access to the largest luxury private jet fleet in the world offers a range of programs, from ownership to prepaid cards. NetJets Share provides for purchase in increments of 25 flight hours. NetJets Lease requires no capital outlay with fixed monthly payments. Individuals who fly fewer than 50 hours annually can purchase a Private Jet Card and pay in advance for increments of 25 hours to be used within 18 months.
NetJets pampers its members with signature inflight cuisine and personalized food and beverage choices. Travelers can use their own phones inflight with the NetJet Connects Text and Talk app. Pets are welcome. Member amenities continue on the ground with special access to concerts, motor sports, wine events, arts and travel. Golfers enjoy the NetJets Cup, a private two-day pro-am tournament, and invitations to exclusive venues at The Masters in Augusta.
Delta Private Jets offers a card that can be used for their private or commercial flights with a 20% discount from certain published fares, no initiation fee, and entry as low as $150,000. Diamond Medallion Status perks include upgrades, Sky Club membership and choice benefits. Access to luxury resorts and multi-million dollar vacation homes around the world through Exclusive Resorts, an elite private vacation club, is available to cardholders.
Flexjet’s three options include fractional ownership, lease, or Jet Card for fewer than 50 flight hours annually. Owners are eligible to participate in exclusive events such as the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, Aspen Snow Polo and Sonoma County Wine Auction. Private terminals, upscale cabin interiors, dining, and wine make flying Flexjet luxurious and comfortable.
As if comfortable seats, privacy, and time-saving flexibility weren’t enough, these and other private aviation firms are seeking creative ways to convince consumers to forsake crowded airports and commercial travel. Although the perks are fun and attractive, they’re really just the icing on the cake.
